We will move a step closer to a return to Pembrokeshire Football League action next week with clubs allowed to instigate 'training phase 2' on Monday.

Many local clubs have re-started sessions, subject to guidelines, but the FAW have now confirmed that following the latest Welsh Government, measures can be eased further from August 10th.

Clubs will be able to train in groups of 15 and contact training can be re-introduced at all levels.

The key developments are as follows:

  • Group sizes: 15 (max. 14 players and minimum 1 coach).
  • Total number of groups on a training area: 2.
  • Contact training is now permitted at all levels.
  • In line with Welsh Government guidelines, players aged 11 and under would not need to socially distance before and after training or during breaks.
  • Players aged 12 and above would still need to socially distance before and after training and during breaks.

At this stage, friendly matches are still not permitted and will remain forbidden until phase 3 at the earliest.

"We continue to work with Welsh Government, Sport Wales and Welsh Sports Association and we hope to be able to announce the return of fixtures in the near future," read an FAW statement - and the authority have also issues the following guidelines for clubs looking to implement phase 2:

  • Club Management meeting to discuss FAW Safer Return to Training phase 2 protocols
  • Club COVID-19 Compliance Officers to share FAW Safer Return to Training phase 2 protocols with Players, Parents, Coaches and volunteers and facility providers (if applicable)
  • Complete a NEW COVID-19 risk assessment that reflects phase 2 protocols - this does not need to be shared with FAW for approval

All local leagues in Wales are said to be provisionally planning for a return to competitive match action in October - but that will be subject to how things develop regarding the Coronavirus pandemic.